Israeli side Hapoel Jerusalem has officially confirmed that its application for a permanent EuroLeague franchise license has successfully advanced to the next phase of the process.
The EuroLeague is standing on the verge of the biggest structural reform in its history. It was recently revealed that out of 11 total applications submitted, eight clubs will be awarded permanent franchise status for the 2027-28 campaign.
Official club statement and confirmation from Chus Bueno
Over recent years, Hapoel Jerusalem has invested heavily in both its playing roster and infrastructure, with the club set to compete in the EuroCup once again next season. The club released an official statement to keep fans updated on the status of their EuroLeague application:
“We are pleased to announce that we have officially advanced to the next phase of the process to obtain a permanent EuroLeague license (franchise). EuroLeague CEO Chus Bueno informed the club that our application proposal has progressed to the next round. We will continue to work with great determination and exert maximum effort to make Hapoel Jerusalem a permanent member of the EuroLeague,” the club stated.
אנו שמחים לעדכן כי באופן רשמי עברנו לשלב הבא בתהליך לקבלת רישיון קבוע (פרנצ'ייז) ביורוליג. מנכ"ל היורוליג, צ'וס בואנו, הודיע למועדון כי הצעתו לקבלת הרישיון עברה לשלב הבא בתהליך.
— Hapoel Jerusalem (@HapoelJerusalem) September 5, 2026
אנחנו נמשיך לפעול בנחישות ולעשות את כל המאמצים כדי שהפועל "מידטאון" ירושלים תהיה חברת קבע ביורוליג.… pic.twitter.com/mNMdnCXNmo
A third Israeli representative in European basketball elite?
Securing a long-term franchise license would mark a monumental achievement and a major turning point for the Jerusalem-based organization.
If they successfully complete the selection process, Hapoel Jerusalem will become the third Israeli representative at the highest level of European basketball, standing side by side with Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Tel Aviv.
Summer overhaul: Sasa Obradovic at the helm and NBA additions
The grand ambitions of the Jerusalem club are best reflected in their spectacular off-season moves this summer. The foundation of this ambitious project was established with the appointment of renowned Serbian head coach Sasa Obradovic, sending a clear message to rivals that the club enters the new campaign with the highest competitive goals.
The playing squad underwent a massive overhaul, stacked with high-profile names boasting significant NBA and EuroLeague experience. The team was bolstered by Shake Milton, Kenneth Lofton Jr., David Roddy, and Jaleen Smith, alongside several other high-quality acquisitions. With these moves, Hapoel has assembled a formidable squad widely considered the top favorite in the EuroCup, a clear stepping stone toward joining the EuroLeague elite.
